I was recently interviewed by my friend Marilyn Suttle who is the resident LBL expert for Poise.com. LBL stands for Light Bladder Leakage, which affects 1 out of 3 women! One out of three women, means there are a lot of folks who could benefit from a better understanding of the benefits of a strong pelvic floor. I’m a firm believer in utilizing Pilates to help with pelvic floor strength, not only does using the pelvic floor better support your body for exercise and movement, but it can also definitely help with LBL. Quite a few of my clients over the years have commented that their LBL problems went away after they started Pilates. Fewer bladder problems is a nice added bonus to better whole-body health with Pilates!
Thought some of you might enjoy reading the blog post Marilyn wrote after interviewing me about Pilates and the Pelvic Floor. Here’s the link if you’re interested in the article & interview: LBL from a Pilates Teacher’s Perspective
An Extra Couple of Comments From Aliesa:
From my understanding the front to back muscle contraction with the muscles between the pubic bone and tail bone (front to back of the Pelvic floor) is the more important part that needs strengthening to help reduce LBL and incontinence issues. As a Pilates teacher, I help clients identify the difference between contracting the front to back walls of the Pelvic Floor, vs. side to side contraction, vs. engaging the whole Pelvic Floor. Along with education as to the difference between contracting the muscles of the Pelvic Floor for better posture support and movement vs. doing a Kegel. There is a difference in benefits depending on how and what you’re doing with your Pelvic Floor!
I’m not sure that everyone that teaches Pilates, Fitness, or Pelvic Floor Exercises breaks things down like I do…but if you can find someone with a good understanding of what you need to do – the difference in core support and freedom of movement (as well as helping to eliminate LBL issues) will be dramatically noticeable with just a little bit of practice with new pelvic floor habits.
Are you challenged with LBL issues? Has Pilates helped you?
I know this isn’t a topic that gets talked about – but look at the large number of people affected! Isn’t it great to know that there IS something you can do to improve things!
I encourage you not to keep all your health and body issues hidden in the closet… Ask your doctor, and other health care professionals if there’s anything you can do. Chances are, regardless of the issue, if you’re willing to put forth a little effort, there’s probably something that you can do to be proactive for improved whole-body health! Keep asking, and keep trying until you find the right things that work for you, so you can enjoy optimal health & wellness.
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.